Remote connector system

Abstract

An apparatus for inserting and / or removing a connector with a remote connector agent are disclosed. Embodiments may include a remote connector agent apparatus having a main body forming a connector cavity and one or more insertion snap pushers each having a lower surface. The insertion snap pushers may move outward during insertion of a connector into the connector cavity and move inward after insertion of the connector so that the snap pusher lower surfaces rest on a lip of the connector after insertion. Embodiments may also include a retraction holder ledge to support the lip of the inserted connector during retraction and a connector snap release actuator to pivot a snap of the inserted connector in response to a pulling force on the remote connector agent. The insertion snap pushers and the retraction holder ledge may have a float distance between them larger than the lip height.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to the field of tools for inserting or removing connectors from a board such as a printed circuit board. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus for inserting and / or removing a connector with a remote connector agent.BACKGROUND[0002]As computer technology continues to advance, computers are required to perform increasingly complex tasks. With the increasing complexity of tasks, the circuitry found in computers has also become more complex. Computer designers and manufacturers also desire to provide these complex functions with a minimum amount of space to satisfy consumers and to reduce costs, resulting in increasingly high-density circuitry for computers. The high density of circuitry has resulted in both smaller components (e.g., headers and connectors) as well as components that are harder for users to reach.[0003]High-density circuitry results in difficulties both at insta...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a system, method, and apparatus for inserting and removing a connector with a remote connector agent. The remote connector agent has a main body with insertion snap pushers that move outward during insertion and inward afterward to rest on the lip of the connector. The system also includes a retraction holder ledge to support the lip of the inserted connector during retraction and a connector snap release actuator to pivot the snap of the inserted connector in response to a pulling force on the remote connector agent. The technical effects of this invention include improved reliability and durability of the connector system, simplified installation process, and reduced risk of damage to the connector during installation."

Problems solved by technology

As computer technology continues to advance, computers are required to perform increasingly complex tasks.

With the increasing complexity of tasks, the circuitry found in computers has also become more complex.

The high density of circuitry has resulted in both smaller components (e.g., headers and connectors) as well as components that are harder for users to reach.

High-density circuitry results in difficulties both at installation or construction as well as later with repair or replacement of parts.

This problem often manifests with expansion headers of boards in a computer.

In a densely packed computer, however, it may be difficult for a user to reach the connector in order to pull it out, resulting in user frustration.

This problem is exacerbated when the connector is latched to the header instead of simply inserted.

Because of the high density of circuit boards, however, a user may have difficulty in reaching the snap and thus cannot press the finger release touch point to release the connector.

Similarly, users may have problems inserting the connector in the first place in situations where the header is difficult to get to for a user's hands.

These problems can be worsened when a more robust latch is used, such as may be used for more crucial connections like those for power supplies.

Even when users can reach the connector with their fingers, it may be ergonomically undesirable for them to have to press a small button in a possibly hard-to-reach location.

As the density of computer components continues to increase, users are likely to become increasingly frustrated with difficulties in inserting, latching, and removing connectors from board headers.

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